Seeking some depth in their pitching staff, the Los Angeles Dodgers signed lefthander Andrew Heaney to a minor league contract. Heaney, because of getting signed now, also can be an option for the Dodgers in postseason play.
This will be Heaney's second tour of duty with the Dodgers as he was with the club in 2022 before going to the Texas Rangers, where he won a World Series ring in 2023.
Heaney was recently designated for assignment by the Pittsburgh Pirates. He started off pretty strong before fading quickly in recent starts. Through 14 starts with the Pirates, Heaney had a 3.33 ERA. That, though, was blown up to 9.21 from June 19 forward and eventually landed him in the Pirates bullpen.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was glad to have Heaney back within the organization. Still, Roberts admitted that he didn't know what the plan is for Heaney at this time.
Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) on X
BREAKING: The Dodgers have signed LHP Andrew Heaney just hours after he was released by the Pirates 🚨
Another pitcher on the way to LA.
Via @JonHeyman
"But it's certainly good to have him back in the organization," Roberts said on Tuesday, according to Sonja Chen, who covers the Dodgers for MLB.com.
Should Heaney make it up to the MLB club from playing at Triple-A Oklahoma City, look for him to be added to the bullpen. Besides Heaney, reliever Michael Kopech rejoined the Dodgers from the Injured List on Monday, Sept. 1.
What, if any, are the concerns around the Dodgers bullpen? There are some right now. It's an overtaxed bullpen, having worked 564 innings, which is most in MLB. Their 4.16 ERA is not pretty, either, putting it in a tie for 18th in the majors.
Utilityman Hyeseong Kim was also added back to the active roster.
The Dodgers are in first place, 2.5 games ahead of San Diego Padres in the National League West Division heading into play on Wednesday, Sept. 3. For them to make any type of push for a postseason spot, Los Angeles will need to have an effective bullpen over the 2025 season's final weeks.